Hi Guys,
I’m sending this to those who have already expressed interest and those of you who represent the fly fishing community in south central Ontario. If there any left off this list feel free to forward it.
After deployments there are many visibly and not visibly injured soldiers on active duty in the Canadian Forces who will benefit from the therapeutic value of fly fishing. Last year we taught 15 soldiers how to tie and cast a fly. We received great reviews from the soldiers several of whom have taken up fly fishing as a hobby. Consequently Soldier On, the Forces organization that looks after injured soldiers has asked us to once again put on a one day intro course. Due to their scheduling commitments, Thursday, October 2 was chosen as the most suitable day this year.
The location for this year will be the same ponds as last year in Effingham and the dinner will be 10 minutes away at Calamus Estate Winery.
Last year we ended our day around 4 pm. However this year Soldier On asked that we extend the day so that they can stay over an not have to face a long drive home in the afternoon and evening. Accordingly the schedule for this year’s event will be extended through dinner. This will give us some time to actually tie some flies and get to know the soldiers.
Here is the schedule for the day:
Volunteers arrive 9:30 AM – hot coffee will be available
Soldiers arrive at 10 am – piped in by Morgan Stamford
Orientation to fly fishing from Johh Valk of Grindstone Angling
Soldiers will be assigned to volunteer fishing buddies for lessons in fly casting and fishing
Demo fly tying tents will be available for visits
Lunch at noon
Fishing ends at 3:30
Soldiers go to Megalomania Winery for a wine tasting courtesy of John Howard
At 4 pm we set up for dinner and fly tying at Calamus Winery in Jordan
At 5:00 pm soldiers arrive at Calamus
Fly tying buddies assigned and fly tying at Calamus Winery to 6:30 pm. Wine and cheese will be available.
Dinner at Calamus Estate winery starting at 6:30 pm. (Whiskey Barrel Smoked Beef Brisket with Georgia Pepper Sauce) and cash bar.
Presentations, awards etc. after dinner
We say goodbye to the Soldiers probably no later than 9 pm.
In the event of a serious storm we will cancel the event – 24 – 36 hours prior. Otherwise the show goes on.
We need up to 20 – 22 volunteers to teach fly casting or fly tying or both. Note: We also need to recover cost for lunch $10 and dinner $30.
Please let me know by return email if you would like to volunteer for:
____Fly fishing buddy during the day – lunch only @$10
____Fly tying buddy and dinner @$30
____Either one or both – I intend to stay for the day – lunch and dinner @$40
If you have questions or concerns please feel free to email me as well. More details and maps etc will be sent later this month.
We would appreciate your response no later than Sunday, Sept 14.
Thanks to Paul Furminger, Gary Kosinsky and Greg Herring who will be organizing volunteers for fly casting and fly tying.
Bring only your own equipment.
Winter hatches are providing all fly tying equipment and materials
Grindstone Angling will supply rod and reel set ups.
Calamus is donating the room for dinner
Megalomania is providing a wine tasting experience
Hope to see you soon,
Dennis Edell
President Niagara Chapter, Trout Unlimited Canada
Contact: Greg Herring [mailto:[email protected]]
